Keep your home safe while you’re on vacation!

It’s vacation season!

– Ask a friend to check on your home: Ask your neighbor or friend to drive or walk by your home once every day or so and check on your place. If you have pets, give someone a key to keep while you’re gone so they can feed your cat or walk your dog. Be sure to repay them for their help by leaving some irresistible snacks in the cabinet for them to enjoy.

– Keep social media posts private: We know how tempting it is to post lavish beach pictures and make everyone jealous (we all do it), but try to think before doing so. Facebook does let you control who can and can not see your posts to a certain extent, but sometimes your post reach is larger than you think and may possibly reach someone you don’t know. Your best bet is to wait until you’re home safe and sound to post that picture of your margarita in the sand.

– Unplug appliances: Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges. This will help you save power as well as many appliances still draw energy even when turned off.

– Remove spare key from under your mat: If a criminal is somehow able to figure out that you’ve gone on vacation, it’s likely that they’ll start checking your porch for a spare key, so be sure to remove it before you leave.

– Store valuables securely: Keep valuables out of view from your windows and away from peeping toms. Having a locked safe is a great way to do this. Store all your valuables inside it and keep it hidden under your bed while you’re away.

– Consider a light switch timer: A light switch timer will turn your lights on and off according to a programmed schedule, and if a criminal is keeping an eye on your house, they will assume someone is home flipping the light switch.

– Invest in a home security system: With many different options to choose from, a home security system is an added level of protection. You can even keep an eye on your home right from your phone!

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How many floors do you need in your home?

When building a custom home, there are many important choices you will have to make. One of those decisions is how many stories your home needs. Let’s break it down…

A one story home is energy efficient as it may require less energy for heating and cooling. Temperature levels are more even because heat is not rising upstairs. One story homes are also appealing to the elderly because they will not have to worry about getting up and down the stairs. It’s easier to clean and maintain a one story home, and it will also be easier to renovate or expand your home if you decide to do so in the future.

A 1.5 story home usually means that the master bedroom is on the first floor, and all the other bedrooms are located upstairs. This means that you will have space from the kids or from guests that may choose to spend a night or two at your home. The lower floor is also usually larger than the area of the upper floor.

Two story homes are generally labeled as homes with all bedrooms located on the second level. It’s usually easier (and a lot more fun) to design two story homes since you have endless options. If you live in a picturesque area, a two story home gives you plenty of amazing views to take advantage of.

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Preparing for the first night in your new home

The first night in your new home can be a stressful and exciting moment. It can be tough to figure out what you need to bring with you and it’s much easier if you have a game plan. The biggest tip we can give you is to pack all your first night essentials into an overnight bag. Some items will include toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, medications, chargers for your electronics, some clothing/pajamas/underwear, and a first aid kit.

If most of your boxes are going to take a couple days to arrive, pack one box to take to your new home along with your overnight bag. Be sure to include snacks, sheets, pillows, water bottles, bath towels, bedding, toilet paper, paper plates, plastic utensils, batteries and a flashlight. If you have kids and/or pets, be sure to pack the essentials for them. Think diapers, wipes, toys, pet food, water dishes, leashes, poop bags/litter box etc. Also be sure to bring a few board games so you can enjoy some quality time together before you get back to the every day hustle and bustle.

Once you arrive at your new home, unpack only what you will need for the first night. Everything else can wait. Then, pop some bubbly and order takeout. Your first night in your new home calls for a celebration.

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Moving Out Checklist

Moving out of your home is a stressful event, but organizing and preparing before you get started can take some of the edge off. Here’s a few key points to reference when it’s time for your big move.

  • Go through your home and decide what you’re keeping/getting rid of.
  • Schedule a cleaning day.
  • Do some research and find a reliable moving company.
  • Measure doorways and stairways to make sure all your furniture will fit.
  • Purchase duct tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers and anything else that will help with the packing process.
  • Label boxes to keep an inventory of your belongings.
  • Back up your computer files (better safe than sorry).
  • Request time off of work for moving day.
  • Pack an overnight bag with essential items (daily toiletries, comfortable clothes) so that you won’t need to rush to unpack the second you step foot in your new home.

We know that this is only a short list, but it should help you get your head in the game and get ready for the big day!

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